Choosing the right contact lens solution can be more complicated than you might think. Some people find that the right solution helps them with problems like contact lens deposits, sensitivity, and dry eyes. But between Renu and Biotrue, which one should you buy?
Keep reading to find out what you need to know about both brands.
At a Glance
- Renu Advanced Formula multipurpose solution is affordable and contains a strong disinfectant.
- Many Renu users report a temporary burning sensation when they first put in their contact lenses.
- Biotrue Multi Purpose Solution is a popular option that seems less likely to cause burning based on user reports.
- Biotrue Hydration Plus Multi Purpose Solution has a different formula with more hyaluronic acid, which may be better for people with very dry eyes. However, some users find it too thick or sticky.
Renu Contact Solution
Renu makes a contact solution called Renu Advanced Formula Multipurpose Solution.
The Renu Advanced Formula contact solution can be used for cleaning, rinsing, and storing your lenses. The label claims it kills 99.9% of germs with a triple disinfectant system and removes proteins to prevent buildup. Additionally, this formula claims to provide “up to 20 hours of moisture.”
Note: Whenever you see the words “up to” in a product claim, it’s helpful to remember that the number will probably be lower for at least some users. While some consumers may indeed find that these contacts stay moist for 20 hours, many people don’t wear them that long in the first place.
I wanted to see what real users thought of Renu Advanced Formula and whether they found the formula very moisturizing, so I headed to Reddit. I did find several threads about Renu, but very few people mentioned anything about its moisturizing effects. Instead, the most common comments were from users who said their eyes burned briefly after using this formula and inserting their contacts.
Most users who mentioned it said the burning was brief, lasting a few seconds to minutes, and none described lasting effects. However, some users found it annoying enough to switch to other brands (including Biotrue). If you try Renu and burning persists, check with your eye doctor.
Some Redditors theorized that the burning may be associated with the multiple strong disinfectants in Renu. If you have frequent eye infections or want to deep clean your contacts, you may decide the brief burning sensation is not a dealbreaker.
On the other hand, if you have very sensitive eyes, Renu contact solution may not be the best option for you.
Biotrue Contact Solution
Biotrue makes two multipurpose contact lens solutions: Biotrue Multi Purpose Solution and Biotrue Hydration Plus Multi Purpose Solution.
Both of these formulas have the same basic functions as Renu: they can be used to clean, disinfect, and store contact lenses. Both also claim to offer up to 20 hours of hydration, though again, your mileage may vary.
The Hydration Plus formula has 25% more hyaluronic acid, which is a tear-inspired moisturizer that can help some contact users with dry eyes. It also has potassium and an antioxidant called erythritol.
While both formulas work well for many people, the Hydration Plus may be a better option for those with very dry eyes or who find contact lens use drying in general.
However, some Redditors preferred the original Biotrue formula, with several noting that the Hydration Plus seemed a bit thick or sticky. Others felt that it made their contacts a little blurry. One user even said that despite their very dry eyes, the original Biotrue worked better than the Hydration Plus.
How Do Biotrue and Renu Contact Solutions Compare in Price?
The prices are fairly similar, but overall, Renu is slightly more affordable.
The Renu Advanced Formula Multipurpose Solution 12-ounce bottle is regularly $14.99 and currently on sale for $12.95. Biotrue doesn’t sell a 12-ounce bottle, but their 10-ounce bottle of multipurpose solution is also $14.99, with a current sale price of $12.95. So you would get 2 ounces more for your money with the Renu.
The 10-ounce bottle of Biotrue Hydration Plus is regularly $17.99, currently on sale for $14.95, making it more expensive than both Renu and the regular Biotrue formula.
Which One Should You Choose?
The answer varies depending on which features concern you most. These are general guidelines based on product labels and user reports, and everyone’s eyes react differently.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Renu contact solution may be a good fit if you:
- Want a strong disinfectant (though Biotrue Hydration Plus has one too)
- Don’t have very sensitive eyes
- Are okay with the possibility of a mild, temporary burning sensation when you first put your contacts in
- Want the most contact lens solution for your money
Biotrue may be worth trying if you:
- Have very sensitive eyes
- Want to avoid the possibility of mild, temporary burning sensation when putting in your contacts
- Need a good moisturizing system
- Don’t mind spending a little more money for comfort
Biotrue Hydration Plus Multi Purpose Solution may be the right fit if you:
- Have very dry eyes
- Find that the regular Biotrue Multi Purpose formula doesn’t provide enough moisture
- Don’t mind paying a little more money for your comfort
- Regularly wear your contacts for more than 8 hours at a time
If you still can’t decide, consider buying small bottles of two or all three formulas and trying them all. The Renu Advanced Formula 2-ounce bottle is only $3.95; the Biotrue Multi Purpose 2-ounce bottle is $4.95 (and comes with a lens case). The smallest Biotrue Hydration Plus option is a 4-ounce bottle for $6.95. So, you could easily order one of each without breaking the bank.
FAQs
Can I store my contact lenses in tap water if I run out of contact lens solution and it’s just for one night?
No, this is not safe. Using regular water for storing or cleaning your contacts can put you at risk for a number of serious infections. That includes acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe eye infection that can cause vision loss.
Unfortunately, the only real option for contact lens solution is, well, contact lens solution. If you’re out, you can solve this problem in a few ways:
- Find a store that can deliver today and order some.
- Go to a nearby store and buy some.
- Ask around to find out if anyone has a sealed bottle of contact solution you can have. (Don’t use an opened bottle of someone else’s contact solution.)
- Throw the lenses out early and start a fresh pair next time.
Do I really need to change my contact lens case all the time?
Yes, it’s a good idea to change your contact lens case whenever you open a new bottle of solution, or every 1-3 months. You should also get a new case if you notice any warping or cracking, unusual odors, trouble opening or closing the case, visible residue, or if you’ve had an eye infection recently.
